Charles Wins Shot Put as TLU Competes in War Hawk Classic

ABILENE, Texas -- Texas Lutheran track and field competed in the 2024 War Hawk Classic hosted by future conference foe McMurry University over the course of Friday and Saturday in Abilene.

The meet would be highlighted by freshman Deserae Charles (Natchitoches, LA/Forney) winning the shot put with a mark of 12.31m (40' 04.75").

Katelyn Brown finished second overall and first amongst Division-III jumpers in the high jump with a 1.50m mark (4' 11"). Freshman Briley Rother (Hallettsville/Hallettsville) finished third in the long jump with a mark of 4.95m (16' 3").

Natalie Garcia (McAllen/McAllen) and Taylor Norrell (Lake Jackson/Brazosport) finished eighth and ninth respectively in the 100m dash with times of 12.64 and 12.69 seconds. Norrell also finished fourth in the 100m hurdles with a time of 15.27 seconds. The TLU 4x100m relay team comprised of Norrell, Garcia, Leilani Lopez (San Antonio/St. Anthony Catholic), and Trinity Murdock (Katy/Paetow) finished fourth overall and second amongst Division-III teams with a time of 48.51 seconds to move up seven spots on the national leaderboard.

Ashlynn Recknagel (La Vernia/La Vernia) finished in a tie for third place in the pole vault with a 3.30m (10' 10") mark.

Aaliyah Leal (Ingleside/Aransas Pass) finished fourth in the 800m run with a time of 2:26.62.

In throws, Kenna Kubenka (Hallettsville/Hallettsville) finished sixth in the hammer throw with a mark of 43.22 meters (141' 09") with teammate Julissa Rodriguez (Deer Park/Deer Park) finishing seventh with a mark of 42.45m (139' 03"). Rodriguez would also finish fourth in the javelin throw with a mark of 32.51m (106' 08").

Full Results: https://tf.tfrrs.org/results/85979/f/2024_War_Hawk_Classic

Coach McCown's Comments: "We came away from this meet with multiple personal bests and it was a really good meet for us overall. This team continues to show grit, determination and great focus. Now we totally shift our attention on the SCAC Championship Meet in two weeks. Go Dogs!"

Texas Lutheran shifts their attention to the 2024 SCAC Championships which will take place at Trinity University starting on Saturday, April 27. For all updates on Texas Lutheran Track and Field, follow @tluthrows and @tluxctf on Instagram as well as as all official TLU Athletics accounts. All schedule updates can be found on tlubulldogs.com.